What is the name of your accommodation? 

Casa Opala

Could you introduce yourself and share a bit about your life, such as your interests, hobbies, or background?

We are Richard and Matthias. We run an event catering company in Amsterdam called Gewoonmeer.nl. We organize a wide variety of events, from corporate gatherings to private dinners and weddings, including styling and decoration.

How did your property become part of your life? When did it happen, and what inspired or motivated you to take it on?

Almost ten years ago, we rented a house in Olhão. We arrived late at night in the dark, and only the next morning did we truly see where we had landed. We immediately fell in love — blue skies, beautiful small houses, expansive beaches. On the second day we were already sitting with a real estate agent, looking for a place of our own. By the end of that week, we had bought our first property, and a few more followed after that!

What was the process of creating your property like? Tell us about renovating, furnishing, or styling it.

It was a long process due to all the regulations and permits that were required — almost four years after the purchase. We chose a practical layout by placing the kitchen on the first floor, directly connected to the terrace, to bring the outdoors in. On the rooftop terrace, we added a plunge pool in the lounge area. For the interior, we opted for a timeless design with light colours and local materials, preserving the character of the old house.

What makes your property truly special to you? Do you have any favorite spots, cherished memories, or personal touches that make it dear to your heart?

We love enjoying local wines while watching the sunset from the rooftop terrace. We also love dining with friends at one of the many restaurants in the Algarve — every year new ones open, ranging from simple piri-piri chicken places to Michelin-starred restaurants.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your property?

Scandinavian.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly applications associated with your property that you are proud of?

We have a solar water heater and good insulation in both the walls and the floor.

What motivated or inspired you to rent your property to guests?

After a few months, friends started asking if they could rent our house. Then their friends asked as well, and that made us think: maybe we should do this more often!

What can guests expect when staying at your accommodation? Share the experience, the highlights, and perhaps the best compliment you’ve received from past guests.

Everything you need is there for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. You can cook for yourself using wonderful local products from the Mercado Municipal, or dine out in the many restaurants nearby.

The best compliment we often receive is: “It feels like coming home.” Because of that, many guests return year after year — some for more than five years already. This fits perfectly with the way we run our business in the Netherlands too: we prefer building long-term relationships rather than focusing on one-off clients.

What do you hope guests will take away from their stay, and do you have any special tips or recommendations to make their holiday unforgettable? 

We hope guests feel that the house is truly theirs during their stay, with everything they need to fully enjoy it. And we hope they feel welcome and want to return to Olhão.

To have an unforgettable stay, definitely visit the beautiful beaches, the local markets, and the nature reserves in the Algarve region.